After heated differences interrupted coalition negotiations between the FPÖ and the ÖVP, talks will now resume at the leadership level. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl and ÖVP chairman Christian Stocker announced this on Thursday. Earlier, significant disagreements had occurred, with the main point of contention being the distribution of ministerial posts. Following discussions between Stocker on Wednesday and Kickl on Thursday with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, the negotiations are set to continue.
“The talks, which had previously been interrupted at the top negotiator level, will resume as soon as possible,” Kickl stated after a phone call with Stocker, according to a press release.
Stocker confirmed the resumption in a message on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The ÖVP justified the continuation with its responsibility for the country: “Responsibility is a central value of the People’s Party, guiding our actions even in challenging times,” the party wrote on X. “Out of responsibility for Austria, our party leader (Stocker) will resume government negotiations with the FPÖ as soon as possible. We need a stable government – for the people and Austria!”
Talks Expected to Resume This Week
The exact time for the continuation of the talks between the party leaders or top negotiators has not been communicated yet. According to APA, it is expected to take place later this week, likely on Friday. However, the obstacles that led to the suspension of talks at the leadership level are still reportedly present.
Meanwhile, Federal President Van der Bellen canceled a planned visit to the women’s downhill skiing event at the World Ski Championships in Saalbach on Saturday, reportedly due to the ongoing coalition negotiations, as the “Kleine Zeitung” reported. The President’s office confirmed the cancellation to APA but did not comment further on the reasons.
FPÖ-ÖVP Dispute Before Talks Resume
The dispute between the FPÖ and the ÖVP escalated on Tuesday after Kickl presented a proposal for the distribution of ministries. The ÖVP considered it “unacceptable,” arguing that it did not reflect the election results and therefore was not in a balanced position, according to ÖVP sources on Thursday before the now seemingly calming phone call. Following internal discussions, the ÖVP offered a counterproposal on Wednesday, which could be discussed if Kickl is willing to resume the interrupted talks.
This depiction angered the FPÖ, which denied receiving a counteroffer from the ÖVP. They stated to APA that on Wednesday, there was merely “an atmospheric conversation between two members of the top negotiator group,” which was not between the party leaders. The FPÖ also vehemently denied interrupting the talks on Tuesday, as claimed by the ÖVP. Kickl had presented the list, after which Stocker announced internal consultations and left.
Ministry Allocation Dispute Escalated on Tuesday
The small meeting of the party leaders on Tuesday was supposed to focus on unresolved content issues, but it quickly turned to the division of ministerial posts. The FPÖ is claiming ministries that are also particularly important to the ÖVP, such as Finance, Interior, and Europe-related issues. By late Tuesday afternoon, tensions rose, and the ÖVP referred to it as a “difficult phase.”
Since then, there has been silence between the party leaders, although subgroups continued negotiations on Wednesday. The atmosphere became even more tense when Kickl reinforced the FPÖ’s claim to the Finance and Interior ministries on Facebook on Wednesday—something that surprised the ÖVP.
On Wednesday afternoon, Stocker had an appointment with Van der Bellen. What was specifically discussed remains undisclosed, as does the content of the conversation with Kickl. The Presidency confirmed the meetings with the party leaders on Thursday afternoon but did not reveal the details. Confidentiality was agreed upon with both negotiating parties. There are currently no plans for the head of state to comment on the situation.
Substantive Issues Remain Unresolved
The allocation of posts was not the only unresolved point in the negotiations. According to APA information, key issues in the subgroups have been marked as “red,” especially in foreign policy or media, and also in areas like finance and taxation. The top negotiators are expected to address these unresolved issues, but little progress has been made so far. Even with the announcement of the resumption of talks, no significant changes are expected.
There has still been no movement on the banking levy demanded by the FPÖ. The economic wing of the ÖVP is also reportedly opposed to a financial contribution from the chambers to budget consolidation. Other contentious points include the FPÖ’s call for the abolition of the ORF broadcasting fee, the Sky Shield missile defense system, and a unified approach to European policy.
